If you are pregnant and considering adoption, one important decision is what kind of relationship you would like with your child and the adoptive family after placement.
The three main types of adoption are open, semi-open and closed adoption. The main difference between them is the amount of communication and contact between the birth family and adoptive family.
There is no single type of adoption that is right for everyone. Your preferences, comfort level and hopes for the future can all help shape your adoption plan.
Adoption Alliance can explain each option and help you decide what type of relationship feels right for you.
Meet Families Waiting to Adopt
What Are the 3 Types of Adoption?
The three common types of private adoption are:
- Open adoption
- Semi-open adoption
- Closed adoption
Each option offers a different level of contact between birth parents and adoptive parents.
Your adoption plan can reflect the amount of communication you are comfortable with before and after placement.
Open Adoption
In an open adoption, birth parents and adoptive parents maintain some form of direct communication.
The amount of contact can vary significantly. Some families exchange photos and updates. Others may also have phone calls, video calls or in-person visits.
You may also have opportunities to get to know the prospective adoptive family before your baby is born.
Depending on your adoption plan, contact might include:
- Text messages or phone calls
- Photos and updates
- Video calls
- Visits
- Birthday or holiday communication
- Direct contact with the adoptive family
An open adoption does not mean that the birth parent and adoptive parents share parenting responsibilities. After the adoption is finalized, the adoptive parents are the child’s legal parents.
Instead, openness refers to the relationship and communication that may continue between the birth family and adoptive family.
What Are the Benefits of Open Adoption?
For some birth parents, open adoption provides reassurance because they can continue to know how their child is doing.
It may also allow the child to grow up knowing more about their birth family, family history and adoption story.
Open adoption can also give birth and adoptive families the opportunity to build an ongoing relationship over time.
However, every family is different. The amount of openness that feels comfortable for one person may not feel right for another.
Semi-Open Adoption
A semi-open adoption offers some communication between the birth family and adoptive family while maintaining more privacy than an open adoption.
You may still choose the adoptive family by reviewing approved family profiles.
However, some communication may take place through Adoption Alliance or another agreed method rather than through direct personal contact.
Depending on the adoption plan, a semi-open relationship may include:
- Photos
- Letters
- Email updates
- Occasional communication
- Agency-facilitated contact
Semi-open adoption can be a good option for someone who wants updates about their child but prefers more privacy.
A semi-open adoption does not necessarily require communication to end after placement. The level and duration of contact depend on the adoption plan agreed upon by the people involved.
Closed Adoption
In a closed adoption, there is little or no direct contact between the birth family and adoptive family after placement.
The birth parent may prefer greater privacy and may choose not to maintain an ongoing relationship with the adoptive family.
Even in a closed adoption, important background and medical information may still be shared as part of the adoption process.
A closed adoption may be right for someone who does not want ongoing communication after placement.
Can I Choose the Adoptive Family?
Yes. If you choose private adoption, you can review profiles of approved families waiting to adopt.
You may consider factors such as:
- Where the family lives
- Whether they already have children
- Their interests and lifestyle
- Their values and traditions
- Their extended family
- Their thoughts about open adoption
- The type of relationship they hope to have with you
View Families Waiting to Adopt
How Do I Choose Between Open, Semi-Open and Closed Adoption?
Think about the kind of relationship you would like after adoption.
You may want to ask yourself:
- Do I want to receive photos and updates?
- Would I like to talk directly with the adoptive family?
- Would I want future visits?
- How much privacy do I want?
- Do I want my child to know me personally?
- How comfortable am I with ongoing contact?
Your feelings may also change during pregnancy.
You do not have to know exactly what you want before contacting Adoption Alliance. Our team can explain the different types of adoption and help you think through your options.
Can I Meet the Adoptive Family Before I Decide?
Yes. If you are interested in a family, Adoption Alliance can help arrange communication so you can learn more about them.
Depending on your preferences, this might include a phone conversation, video call or in-person meeting.
Talking with a family does not mean you are required to choose them.
You can take time to ask questions and decide whether the family feels right for you.
Can My Adoption Plan Change?
Your preferences may change as your pregnancy progresses.
For example, you may initially think you want very little contact and later decide you would like a more open relationship.
Or you may decide that you prefer more privacy than you originally expected.
Talk with your adoption professional whenever your wishes change. Adoption Alliance can help you understand how those changes may affect your adoption plan and your conversations with prospective adoptive parents.
What Type of Adoption Is Most Common Today?
Many modern adoptions include some degree of communication between birth and adoptive families.
That does not mean every adoption involves frequent visits or a close relationship. Openness exists on a spectrum, and families may communicate in many different ways.
The right level of contact depends on the people involved and what feels appropriate for their adoption relationship.
Rather than choosing a label first, it can be more helpful to think about the specific type of communication you would like.
Choosing an Adoption Agency
Once you understand the different types of adoption, the next step may be finding an adoption agency you feel comfortable working with.
A licensed adoption agency can explain your options, help you create an adoption plan and show you profiles of approved families waiting to adopt.
When choosing an agency, consider asking:
- Is the agency licensed?
- What support does it provide during pregnancy?
- Can I choose the adoptive family?
- How does the agency handle open adoption?
- What support is available after placement?
- Is there a cost to me?
Adoption Alliance is a licensed Texas adoption agency and has provided adoption services since 1989.
Our services for expectant parents considering adoption are free and confidential.
Learn More About Open and Closed Adoption
For additional information, Texas Family Resources provides guidance about adoption options and the relationship between birth parents and adoptive families.
Texas information about adoption for birth mothers
Frequently Asked Questions About the Types of Adoption
What are the three main types of adoption?
The three common types are open, semi-open and closed adoption.
The primary difference is the amount of communication between the birth family and adoptive family before and after placement.
Can I choose an open adoption?
Yes. You can talk with Adoption Alliance about the amount and type of contact you would like with your child’s adoptive family.
Can I choose the adoptive family?
Yes. You can review profiles of approved families waiting to adopt and decide which family you would like to consider for your baby.
Does open adoption mean co-parenting?
No. The adoptive parents become the child’s legal parents after the adoption is finalized.
Open adoption refers to ongoing communication or a relationship between the birth family and adoptive family.
Can I have pictures and updates without visits?
Yes. A semi-open or customized open adoption plan may include photos and updates without regular in-person visits.
Do I have to decide which type of adoption I want before I call?
No. You can contact Adoption Alliance simply to ask questions and learn about your options.
Which Type of Adoption Is Right for You?
There is no single answer.
Some birth parents want a close relationship with the adoptive family. Others prefer occasional updates, while some want little or no ongoing contact.
The best adoption plan is one that reflects your wishes, circumstances and comfort level.
Adoption Alliance can help you understand the different types of adoption and talk through what each option could look like.
Call Adoption Alliance at
210-349-3991.
We are available 24/7.
Our services for expectant parents are free and confidential.